If you were involved in an unfortunate truck accident, it may seem overwhelming to deal with. Hiring a Shreveport truck crash lawyer can be immensely helpful to get fair compensation. Don’t hesitate and contact a lawyer right away.
Driving on highways can be extremely hazardous due to the presence of large trucks. To become familiar with the risks posed by truck accidents and the services provided by a Shreveport truck accident lawyer, it is important to gain more knowledge about this.
Trucks are ubiquitous on the roads of Shreveport, transporting goods from one location to another – be it within Louisiana or the rest of America. Trucks deliver a wide range of necessary items everywhere and are essential to our daily lives. However, it’s important to recognize the potential hazards they can create on the roads, not only for truck drivers but also for other motorists.
Louisiana has a fault-based compensation system in place to help victims of truck accidents get the financial relief they need. This system makes it possible for individuals to receive settlements, thus reducing the devastating effects of such collisions on anyone involved. Obtaining financial compensation for a trucking accident injury can be tricky since multiple parties could be held accountable.
Getting an attorney is essential when seeking justice after a truck accident. Wright & Gray are specialized attorneys in Shreveport with more than two decades of experience in helping victims fight for compensation for their injuries. We can provide the legal assistance you need to get what you deserve. Contact us today.
The difficulties related to the trauma of sustaining serious injuries can be tough to cope with. We’re here to provide you the necessary legal assistance and guide you through your recovery claim for compensation process.
What Are the Leading Causes of Truck Accidents?
According to Injury Facts, in 2019, 5,005 large trucks – with a gross weight of more than 10,000 pounds – were involved in fatal crashes in the United States. This means semis, 18-wheeler and tractor-trailers but excludes commercial buses and motor homes. Compared to 2018, the involvement rate in large-trucks collisions has climbed 2% this year and a whopping 43% from 2010. Besides, the rate per 100 million large-truck miles traveled is up 5%, with an even bigger 37% growth since 2010.
In the year 2010, large trucks were responsible for a considerable proportion of collisions in the United States. Statistics show that:
- 10% of all vehicles involved in fatal crashes
- 4% of all registered vehicles
- 7% of total vehicle miles traveled
According to the figures, there is a high incidence of commercial truck-related collisions. What could be the reasons for this? It is essential to investigate in order to understand the causes of these accidents in order to prevent them from happening again:
Driving Under the Influence of Drugs or Alcohol
Truckers who drive for long hours should be cautious when using stimulants to stay alert. These drugs may temporarily perk them up but can also end up impairing their judgment, which could lead to hazardous situations on the road. Drinking and driving is a major risk in Shreveport. A commercial truck driver who drives under the influence of alcohol can easily lead to an accident. To ensure safety, drivers should maintain a BAC of 0.04 percent at all times. As a result, any trucker driving while intoxicated can be subjected to criminal charges.
Speeding
Speeding is one of the major causes of truck accidents, much like it is with car and motorcycle collisions. When a vehicle weighs more than 80,000 pounds, it can cause fatal accidents if they drive at a high speed. It is essential for truck drivers to stick to the speed limit indicated on the interstate highway they’re driving on. Failing to do so can lead to serious consequences and penalties.
Fatigue
Truck drivers often experience exhaustion and fatigue, especially when driving for extended periods outside of FMCSA regulations. This makes them more prone to accidents, as it is difficult for someone with little energy to remain focused on the road. It is essential to ensure that truckers receive sufficient rest, adhere to the set maximum hours of service, and prevent driving while fatigued. Doing so would make the roads a lot safer.
Distracted Driving
Distracted driving is a major cause of truck-related accidents. In the United States alone, The Centers for Disease Control Prevention reported that in 2018, there were 2800 fatalities and 400,000 injuries due to distracted drivers. To reduce the risk of accidents, truck drivers must remain focused at all times while driving. Such focus means avoiding distractions like cognitive, visual and manual inattention. It’s absolutely necessary to constantly be aware of the size of trucks and their surroundings.
Other known factors that can contribute to truck accidents are:
- Reckless driving
- Blind spots
- Inadequate training
- Poor truck maintenance
- Wheel blowout
- Jackknifing
- Different Types of Truck Accidents
Below are some of the most common types of truck accidents:
- Head-on Collisions: A head-on collision is a dangerous situation that often results in fatalities or life-altering injuries for those involved. It occurs when a truck meets with another vehicle heading in the opposite direction.
- Rear-End Collisions: Rear-end collisions involving trucks and vehicles can be devastating. It could be a large commercial truck striking another vehicle, or a smaller vehicle tailgating a truck which then strikes it from behind. Regardless of the situation, this type of accident often ends in tragedy.
- Under ride Accidents: Semi-truck collisions can be especially dangerous, like when a vehicle gets wedged underneath the trailer as it comes to an abrupt stop. These types of accidents can cause immense harm.
- Rollover Accidents: Losing control of a truck can lead to serious accidents, with the vehicle possibly rolling over. This kind of crash can cause great property damage as well result in cargo spillage.
Connect with a Shreveport Truck Accident Attorney
If you got hurt in a truck accident, the lawyers at our firm can fight on your behalf. Utilizing our resources and knowledge, we can conduct an extensive investigation into your injury claim. Our team is dedicated to helping you get the results that you deserve.
What Are the Common Injuries in Truck Accidents?
Truck accident victims would suffer one or more of the following injuries:
Back and Neck Injuries
Injuries sustained from car accidents can range from minor to very severe. Whiplash, dislocated discs in the spine, and back injuries are all common ailments associated with auto collisions. However, these are completely distinct from spinal cord injuries which can be much more dangerous. It is vital to note that an accident can cause injuries to the neck and back, which may prevent you from engaging in work or other regular activities.
Broken Bones
Broken bones are one of the most common truck accident injuries. The impact of the accident determines the severity of the injury. In some cases, like in under ride accidents, the victim could have their bones crushed.
Head Injuries
Head injuries can have drastic implications on the well being of a person. When the skull is damaged to the point that it affects the brain, it is considered a traumatic brain injury and this can negatively impact one’s quality of life. It’s important to bear in mind that potential head trauma may not be obvious right away, so make sure you seek medical attention following a car accident without delay.
Internal Injuries
Automobile accidents that involve blunt force trauma can cause severe damage to your internal organs, such as the liver, bladder, kidney, pancreas, and spleen. Furthermore, treating internal injuries is a challenging task because symptoms may not present themselves right away. It is important to consult a doctor after an accident, even if you do not feel any pain or discomfort. This will ensure that any potential injuries are identified as soon as possible.
Spinal Cord Injuries and Paralysis
Auto accidents can lead to serious spinal cord injury which can cause paralysis. It’s essential to get immediate medical attention and treatment following a car crash since it may help prevent permanent damage. An MRI scan and X-rays are needed for diagnosis; hence, it is important to seek professional medical assistance right away.
Besides cuts and bruises, truck accidents can also lead to seat belt injuries, trauma in the rib cage and torso area, as well as wrongful death in cases of fatal crashes. When such an unfortunate incident takes place, the victim’s legal beneficiaries usually take action by filing a lawsuit to seek financial compensation. Unless the deceased had a valid claim against them prior to their death, there can be no wrongful death claim. Therefore, it is important to confirm that there was a case before moving forward with any legal proceedings.
What Should You Do After a Commercial Trucking Accident?
After a truck accident, the actions you take are crucial for getting the best possible outcome from your injury claim. To guarantee you receive fair compensation, make sure to do the following:
- In case of an accident, you should stop at the scene and make a report to the relevant authorities. This is extremely important as it can help with insurance claims and legal proceedings.
- It’s critical to get a medical checkup even if you don’t appear to be hurt after the accident. Seeking medical treatment for any injuries you may have will ensure that your medical records are preserved as valuable evidence for your personal injury claim.
- When you are in a motor vehicle accident, it is important to obtain the contact information of those involved and share yours. This should include their insurance company name, policy number, vehicle registration and driver’s license. Doing this can help with claims processing and insurance filing.
- Ensure you obtain witness reports and contact details. This will assist with the insurance claims procedure or personal injury lawsuit if necessary. It’s essential to try and obtain their account of the incident.
- It is necessary to take photographs of the crash site, along with the destroyed auto parts, for documentation of the accident. You may also be able to acquire CCTV footage of the collision from traffic sources.
- If you’ve been in an accident or sustained any type of physical injury, it is in your best interest to consult a personal injury lawyer. They will be able to provide expertise in understanding the complexities of your legal case and guide you through the process.
Who Can You Sue for a Truck Accident in Shreveport?
Negligent driving is one of the main contributors to trucking accidents. However, depending on the situation, certain people or entities may be held accountable. These can include other drivers participating in the accident, insurance companies, and product manufacturers.
- The Truck Driver: Truckers have an increased level of responsibility while driving given the size power of their vehicles. If they fail to exercise proper care and cause an accident, they must bear the financial burden of any losses sustained by the victims.
- The Trucking Company: Trucking companies are often held accountable for the irresponsible behavior of their drivers. This is known as vicarious liability and companies should always be cautious when it comes to hiring, particularly in regards to any history of reckless or intoxicated driving.
- Cargo Loaders: If a truck accident is caused due to improper loading of cargo, the responsible person will be liable to cover the compensation of any recoverable losses that the victim incurred.
- Truck Manufacturer: Since the accident was caused due to a faulty component, the truck maker is responsible for any harm that may have been caused.
- Third-Parties: If another driver fails to act responsibly on the road and causes an accident, he/she is to blame and will have to pay for any damages incurred. That would also be true if a truck was involved and it made direct contact with your vehicle. Our experienced car accident attorneys in Shreveport can provide more information about third-party claims. Reach out to them for further details.
What Compensation Can You Get in a Truck Accident Claim?
When a truck accident occurs, victims are often entitled to money damages to help cover any physical and emotional injuries they suffered, along with property damages. These economic and non-economic damages provide financial relief for someone’s physical discomfort as well as their mental anguish. This compensation could encompass:
- Cost of medical care
- Loss of income
- Vehicle repair
- Loss of enjoyment
- Loss of consortium
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional anguish
- Out-of-pocket expenses
Wrongful death claims encompass not only funeral and burial expenses, but also the possibility of punitive damages if there is proof of gross negligence. Personal injury lawsuits can help survivors receive such compensation. Therefore, it’s important to put in a proper effort in order to make sure that you get the maximum settlement that you are entitled to.